Analyze Diet

Topic:Metabolites

Metabolites are small molecules involved in the metabolic processes within a horse's body. They are the intermediates and products of metabolism, encompassing a wide range of compounds, such as amino acids, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleotides. These molecules play roles in energy production, growth, and cellular repair. The study of equine metabolites, often conducted through metabolomics, provides insights into the physiological and pathological states of horses. Changes in metabolite levels can indicate alterations in metabolic pathways, potentially reflecting health conditions or responses to environmental factors. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the identification, function, and diagnostic potential of metabolites in equine health.
Effects of storage-handling methods on nutrient analysis of fresh-forage samples.
Journal of equine veterinary science    September 4, 2024   Volume 142 105182 doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105182
Kerley BS, Harris P, Lea K, McClendon M, Adams AA.Forage low in nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) is recommended for insulin dysregulated (ID) horses, indicating the importance of an accurate forage analysis. However, it remains to be fully understood how handling forage samples pre-analysis impacts nutrient values. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of fresh-forage storage-handling methods: microwave-oven (MO; 9kw; 70s then stored at -20℃), room temperature (20℃), 3℃, -20℃, and -80℃. Subsamples collected from a mixed-grass pasture and a ryegrass plot were analyzed for crude protein (CP), water soluble carbohydrat...
Proteome and metabolomic profile of Mongolian horse follicular fluid during follicle development.
Scientific reports    August 26, 2024   Volume 14, Issue 1 19788 doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-66686-7
Li X, Du M, Liu Y, Wang M, Shen Y, Xing J, Zhang L, Zhao Y, Bou G, Bai D, Dugarjaviin M, Xia W.During follicular development, changes in the composition of the follicular fluid are synchronized with the development of oocytes. Our aim was to screen the key factors affecting oocyte maturation and optimize the in vitro culture protocol by understanding the changes of proteins and metabolites in follicular fluid. Follicles are divided into three groups according to their diameter (small follicle fluid (SFF): 10 mm < d < 20 mm; medium follicle fluid (MFF): 20 mm < d < 30 mm; large follicle fluid (LFF): 30 mm < d). Proteins and metabolites from the follicular fluid w...
In vitro, the aging of stallion spermatozoa at 22 °C is linked to alteration in Ca2+ and redox homeostasis and may be slowed by regulating metabolism.
Theriogenology    August 22, 2024   Volume 229 127-137 doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.08.021
Becerro-Rey L, Martín-Cano FE, Fabres Robaina Sancler-Silva Y, Gil MC, Ortega-Ferrusola C, Aparicio IM, Gaitskell-Phillips G, da Silva-Álvarez E....Conservation of equine semen in the liquid state is a central procedure in horse breeding and constitutes the basis of associated reproductive technologies. The intense mitochondrial activity of the stallion spermatozoa increases oxidative stress along the storage period, leading to sperm demise within 24-48 h of storage, particularly when maintained at room temperature. Recently, the relationship between metabolism and oxidative stress has been revealed. The study aimed to extend the period of conservation of equine semen, at room temperature through modification of the metabolites present i...
The effect of the fat to starch ratio in young horses’ diet on plasma metabolites, muscle endurance and fear responses.
Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition    August 20, 2024   Volume 109, Issue 1 113-123 doi: 10.1111/jpn.14037
Lashkari S, Beblein C, Christensen JW, Jensen SK.High-starch diets may affect equine hindgut microbiota and increase blood glucose levels, which may cause unwanted physiological changes, but may also elicit behavioural changes such as increased fear reactions. The purpose of the current study was to feed a high starch (300) and low fat (43; HS_LF) or a low starch (60) and high fat (85; LS_HF, g/kg of DM) concentrate within the available commercial range and investigate how muscle endurance and fear reactions of horses respond to different diets. Twenty Danish Warmblood stallions (4 years) were randomly allocated to two treatments: LS_HF (n...
Saliva and plasma metabolome changes during anoestrus, the oestrous cycle and early gestation in the mare: A pilot study.
Theriogenology    August 8, 2024   Volume 228 110-120 doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.08.007
Goudet G, Beauclercq S, Douet C, Reigner F, Deleuze S, Nadal-Desbarats L.Successful reproductive management of domestic mammals depends primarily upon timely identification of oestrous cycle stages. There is a need to develop an alternative non-invasive, welfare-friendly, accurate and reliable method to identify reproductive cycle stages. This is of particular interest for horse breeders, because horses are high-value farm animals that require careful management and individual monitoring. Saliva sampling is non-invasive, painless and welfare-friendly. Thus, we performed a metabolomic analysis of equine saliva during different reproductive stages to identify changes...
Effects of pacing strategy on metabolic responses to 2-min intense exercise in Thoroughbred horses.
Scientific reports    August 7, 2024   Volume 14, Issue 1 18352 doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-69339-x
Takahashi K, Mukai K, Ebisuda Y, Sugiyama F, Yoshida T, Hatta H, Kitaoka Y.Evidence suggests that positive pacing strategy improves exercise performance and fatigue tolerance in athletic events lasting 1-5 min. This study investigated muscle metabolic responses to positive and negative pacing strategies in Thoroughbred horses. Eight Thoroughbred horses performed 2 min treadmill running using positive (1 min at 110% maximal O uptake [V̇Omax], followed by 1 min at 90% V̇Omax) and negative (1 min at 90% V̇Omax, followed by 1 min at 110% V̇Omax) pacing strategies. The arterial-mixed venous O difference did not significantly differ between the two strategies. Pl...
Detection of the selective androgen receptor modulator S-23 and its metabolites in equine urine and plasma following oral administration.
Drug testing and analysis    July 9, 2024   doi: 10.1002/dta.3758
Cutler C, Viljanto M, Hincks P, Habershon-Butcher J, Scarth J, van Eenoo P.S-23 is an arylpropionamide selective androgen receptor modulator that has been investigated in animal models for use as a male hormonal contraceptive but is not yet available therapeutically. S-23 is available alongside other selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) to purchase online via uncontrolled sites, sold as supplement products. It has been detected in several human doping cases, highlighting the importance of identifying the best analytical targets for equine doping control. The purpose of this study was to investigate the detection of S-23 and its phase I metabolites in equine...
Detection of sildenafil and its 9 metabolites in a post-race horse urine sample: A case report.
Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis    July 5, 2024   Volume 249 116343 doi: 10.1016/j.jpba.2024.116343
Kabi L E, Zor TA, Göktaş EF, Güneş E, Yatanaslan L, Tektaş MH, İnceman B, Tufan M.The use of prohibited substances in horse racing is a major concern that jeopardizes both the fairness of competitions and the health of horses. This problem can stem from the use of licensed drugs for animal health, as well as unlicensed substances. Horse doping laboratories monitor the potential use of these substances in racehorses within the framework of regulations set by the International Federation of Horse Racing Authority. In this context, sildenafil and its major metabolite n-desmethyl sildenafil were detected in a post-race horse urine sample sent to the Pendik Veterinary Control In...
Serum amino acid profiles in clinically normal Noma horses.
Journal of equine science    July 3, 2024   Volume 35, Issue 2 29-34 doi: 10.1294/jes.35.29
Hisaeda K, Ono T, Kadekaru S, Hata A, Miyama TS, Kutara K, Sugimoto K, Hiasa Y, Ohzawa E, Kunieda T, Iwata E, Kitagawa H.Plasma or serum amino acids are used to evaluate nutritional status and metabolic disorders. In this study, we aimed to set reference values of serum amino acid concentrations in the Noma horse, a Japanese native horse. Thirty-one horses were classified into six age groups: neonatal foal (0-4 days), foal (0.5-1 years), youth (5 years), middle age (10 years), old (15 years), and extra-old (>20 years). Horses >5 years of age were analyzed together as the adult group. In the adult horses, there were no significant differences among the serum amino acid concentrations of each age group. The ...
Changes in saliva analytes in equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) after treatment: a pilot study.
Research in veterinary science    July 2, 2024   Volume 176 105346 doi: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105346
Muñoz-Prieto A, Llamas-Amor E, Cerón JJ, Hansen S.Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) is a prevalent condition in horses, affecting up to 93% of racehorses. Comprising the equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD) and the equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD), EGUS poses significant health challenges. Saliva, a non-invasive and easily obtainable sample, is increasingly recognized for its potential as a source of biomarkers in horses. This study investigates changes in saliva analytes using automated assays before and after EGUS treatment, aiming to identify biomarkers indicative of treatment success or failure. A total of 28 horses diagnosed ...
Doping control of estra-4,9-diene-3,17-dione in horses.
Drug testing and analysis    June 26, 2024   doi: 10.1002/dta.3756
Ho HSM, Farrington AF, Bond AJ, Ho ENM, Wong WT.Estra-4,9-diene-3,17-dione (dienedione) is an anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) available on the market as a dietary supplement for bodybuilding. It is prohibited in both human and equine sports due to its potential performance-enhancing effect. With the rare presence of the 4,9-diene configuration in endogenous steroids, dienedione has been considered as a synthetic AAS. Nevertheless, the reoccurring detection of dienedione in entire male horse urine samples led to the investigation of its possible endogenous nature in horses, and its endogenous nature in entire male horses has been recently ...
Morphine synovial fluid concentrations after intravenous regional limb perfusion in horses during standing sedation.
Equine veterinary journal    June 17, 2024   doi: 10.1111/evj.14114
Kilcoyne I, Nieto J, Nottle BF, Flynn H, Knych HK.Addition of morphine to the perfusate while performing intravenous regional limb perfusion (IVRLP) may be helpful in treating painful infectious orthopaedic conditions of the distal limb. Objective: The main objective of this study was to determine synovial morphine concentrations following IVRLP with morphine alone or in combination with amikacin. Methods: Randomised cross-over in vivo experiment. Methods: Six horses underwent IVRLP with 0.1 mg/kg morphine sulphate diluted to 60 mL using 0.9% NaCl (M group) or combined with 2 g amikacin and 0.9% NaCl (MA group) with a 2-week washout per...
Changes in plasma metabolite concentrations and enzyme activities in aging riding horses.
Frontiers in veterinary science    May 31, 2024   Volume 11 1345548 doi: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1345548
Asahi Y, Arai T, Tanaka Y.In older horses, basal metabolic rate decreases, and plasma metabolite and hormone concentrations related to energy metabolism change. The occurrence of age-related diseases, which increases in old animals, may enhance inflammatory reactivity (inflammaging). Finding the appropriate treatment for inflammaging at an early stage may prevent various age-related diseases. Changes in metabolite and hormone concentrations and enzyme activities involved in energy metabolism in the plasma of clinically healthy riding horses of various ages were measured to identify biomarkers of inflammaging (persisten...
Relationship between the components of mare breast milk and foal gut microbiome: shaping gut microbiome development after birth.
The veterinary quarterly    May 10, 2024   Volume 44, Issue 1 1-9 doi: 10.1080/01652176.2024.2349948
Mady EA, Osuga H, Toyama H, El-Husseiny HM, Inoue R, Murase H, Yamamoto Y, Nagaoka K.The gut microbiota (GM) is essential for mammalian health. Although the association between infant GM and breast milk (BM) composition has been well established in humans, such a relationship has not been investigated in horses. Hence, this study was conducted to analyze the GM formation of foals during lactation and determine the presence of low-molecular-weight metabolites in mares' BM and their role in shaping foals' GM. The fecal and BM samples from six pairs of foals and mares were subjected to 16S ribosomal RNA metagenomic and metabolomic analyses, respectively. The composition of foal G...
Rapid investigating of phase I metabolites of SR9009 in vitro horse liver microsomes via feature-based molecular networking approach: Potential applications in doping control.
Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis    April 30, 2024   Volume 246 116190 doi: 10.1016/j.jpba.2024.116190
Kwak YB, Yoon J, Yoo HH.SR9009, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor δ (PPARδ) agonist, is known for its potential benefits in energy homeostasis. It failed to receive the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) approval and its illegal distribution has raised concerns. As a result, it has been classified as a prohibited substance by the World Anti-Doping Agency and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA). This study emphasizes the application of the in-silico molecular networking technology to analyze phase I drug metabolites in horses, distinguishing it from conventional ...
Integrated analysis of gut metabolome, microbiome, and exfoliome data in an equine model of intestinal injury.
Microbiome    April 15, 2024   Volume 12, Issue 1 74 doi: 10.1186/s40168-024-01785-1
Whitfield-Cargile CM, Chung HC, Coleman MC, Cohen ND, Chamoun-Emanuelli AM, Ivanov I, Goldsby JS, Davidson LA, Gaynanova I, Ni Y, Chapkin RS.The equine gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome has been described in the context of various diseases. The observed changes, however, have not been linked to host function and therefore it remains unclear how specific changes in the microbiome alter cellular and molecular pathways within the GI tract. Further, non-invasive techniques to examine the host gene expression profile of the GI mucosa have been described in horses but not evaluated in response to interventions. Therefore, the objectives of our study were to (1) profile gene expression and metabolomic changes in an equine model of non-ster...
Simultaneous quantification and confirmation of oxycodone and its metabolites in equine urine using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
Journal of chromatography. B, Analytical technologies in the biomedical and life sciences    April 12, 2024   Volume 1238 124125 doi: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2024.124125
You Y, Missanelli JR, Proctor RM, Haughan J, Robinson MA.Oxycodone, an opioid commonly used to treat pain in humans, has the potential to be abused in racehorses to enhance their performance. To understand the pharmacokinetics of oxycodone and its metabolites in horses, as well as to detect the illegal use of oxycodone in racehorses, a method for quantification and confirmation of oxycodone and its metabolites is needed. In this study, we developed and validated an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method that can simultaneously quantify and confirm oxycodone and eight metabolites in equine urine. Sa...
Pharmacokinetics and tolerability of single-dose enteral cannabidiol and cannabidiolic acid rich hemp in horses (Equus caballus).
Frontiers in veterinary science    April 12, 2024   Volume 11 1356463 doi: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1356463
Thomson ACS, McCarrel TM, Zakharov A, Gomez B, Lyubimov A, Schwark WS, Mallicote MF, Portela DA, Bisiau AL, Wakshlag JJ.The pharmacokinetics and tolerability of cannabinoids and their metabolites were determined in eight horses after enteral administration of a commercial CBD/CBDA-rich hemp oil product. Each horse was administered 2 mg/kg or 8 mg/kg CBD/CBDA or no treatment in a randomized cross-over design. Serial serum samples collected over 48 h were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Plasma chemistry analysis was performed at 0 h and 24 h. Vital parameters, pedometry, and blinded mentation and gait evaluations were recorded at intervals up to 24 h. ...
The paradox of spring: Thyroid and glucocorticoid responses to cold temperatures and food availability in free living Carneddau ponies.
Hormones and behavior    March 18, 2024   Volume 161 105526 doi: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2024.105526
Granweiler J, Cristóbal-Azkarate J, Morton N, Palme R, Shultz S.In seasonal environments, maintaining a constant body temperature poses challenges for endotherms. Cold winters at high latitudes, with limited food availability, create opposing demands on metabolism: upregulation preserves body temperature but depletes energy reserves. Examining endocrine profiles, such as thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3) and glucocorticoids (GCs), proxies for changes in metabolic rate and acute stressors, offer insights into physiological trade-offs. We evaluated how environmental conditions and gestation impact on faecal hormone metabolites (fT3Ms and fGCMs) from late...
Characterization of preovulatory follicular fluid secretome and its effects on equine oocytes during in vitro maturation.
Research in veterinary science    March 11, 2024   Volume 171 105222 doi: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105222
Luis-Calero M, Marinaro F, Fernández-Hernández P, Ortiz-Rodríguez JM, G Casado J, Pericuesta E, Gutiérrez-Adán A, González E, Azkargorta M....In vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes is clinically used in horses to produce blastocysts but current conditions used for horses are suboptimal. We analyzed the composition of equine preovulatory follicular fluid (FF) secretome and tested its effects on meiotic competence and gene expression in oocytes subjected to IVM. Preovulatory FF was obtained, concentrated using ultrafiltration with cut-off of 10 kDa, and stored at -80 °C. The metabolic and proteomic composition was analyzed, and its ultrastructural composition was assessed by cryo-transmission microscopy. Oocytes obtained post-mortem ...
Pharmacokinetic study of osilodrostat and identification of mono-hydroxylated metabolite in equine plasma for the purpose of doping control.
Rapid communications in mass spectrometry : RCM    February 15, 2024   Volume 38, Issue 5 e9695 doi: 10.1002/rcm.9695
Ishii H, Ishikawa Y, Mizobe F, Nomura M, Yamanaka T, Tanabe S, Nagata SI, Yamada M, Leung GN.Osilodrostat is an inhibitor of 11-beta-hydroxylase (CYP11B) and is used for the treatment of Cushing's disease but also categorized as an anabolic agent. The use of osilodrostat is prohibited in horseracing and equestrian sports. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first metabolic study of osilodrostat in equine plasma. Methods: Potential metabolites of osilodrostat were identified by differential analysis using data acquired from pre- and post-administration plasma samples after protein precipitation with liquid chromatography electrospray ionization high-resolution mass spectrometry (...
New Pathophysiological Insights from Serum Proteome Profiling in Equine Atypical Myopathy.
ACS omega    January 29, 2024   Volume 9, Issue 6 6505-6526 doi: 10.1021/acsomega.3c06647
Kruse CJ, Dieu M, Renaud B, François AC, Stern D, Demazy C, Burteau S, Boemer F, Art T, Renard P, Votion DM.Equine atypical myopathy (AM) is a severe environmental intoxication linked to the ingestion of protoxins contained in seeds and seedlings of the sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) in Europe. The toxic metabolites cause a frequently fatal rhabdomyolysis syndrome in grazing horses. Since these toxic metabolites can also be present in cograzing horses, it is still unclear as to why, in a similar environmental context, some horses show signs of AM, whereas others remain clinically healthy. Label-free proteomic analyses on the serum of 26 diseased AM, 23 cograzers, and 11 control horses were per...
A metabolomics perspective on 2 years of high-intensity training in horses.
Scientific reports    January 25, 2024   Volume 14, Issue 1 2139 doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-52188-z
Johansson L, Ringmark S, Bergquist J, Skiöldebrand E, Jansson A.The plasma metabolomic profile of elite harness horses subjected to different training programmes was explored. All horses had the same training programme from 1.5 until 2 years of age and then high-intensity training was introduced, with horses divided into high and low training groups. Morning blood samples were collected at 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3.5 years of age. The plasma was analysed using targeted absolute quantitative analysis and a combination of tandem mass spectrometry, flow-injection analysis and liquid chromatography. Differences between the two training groups were observed at 2 yea...
Detection of methandienone and its metabolites in equine urine, plasma and hair following a multidose oral administration.
Drug testing and analysis    January 17, 2024   doi: 10.1002/dta.3633
Viljanto M, Love C, White D, Habershon-Butcher J, Hincks P, Gray B, Scarth J.Methandienone is an anabolic-androgenic steroid that is prohibited in equine sports due to its potential performance enhancing properties. Metabolism and detection of methandienone in equine urine have been investigated comprehensively in literature; however, there is a limited knowledge about its metabolites in equine plasma and no information about its detection in equine hair. Following a multi-dose oral administration of methandienone to two Thoroughbred horses, 17-epimethandienone, methyltestosterone, two mono-hydroxylated, two di-hydroxylated and three 17α-methylandrostanetriol metaboli...
Detection of FG-4592 and metabolites in equine plasma, urine and hair following oral administration.
Drug testing and analysis    January 12, 2024   doi: 10.1002/dta.3643
Cutler C, Viljanto M, Taylor P, Hincks P, Habershon-Butcher J, Gray B, Scarth J.FG-4592 is a hypoxia-inducible factor inhibitor that has been approved for therapeutic use in some countries. This class of compounds can increase the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood and thus have the potential to be used as performance enhancing agents in sports. The purpose of this study was to investigate the detection of FG-4592 and metabolites in equine plasma and mane hair following a multiple dose oral administration to two Thoroughbred racehorses, to identify the best analytical targets for doping control laboratories. Urine samples were also analysed, and the results compared to...
Effects of intravenous administration of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) on oxidative status in healthy adult horses.
Journal of veterinary internal medicine    November 10, 2023   doi: 10.1111/jvim.16934
Taylor SD, Hart KA, Vaughn S, Giancola SC, Serpa PBS, Santos AP.Ascorbic acid (AA) is an antioxidant that might be beneficial for adjunctive treatment of sepsis in horses. The optimal dose and effects on oxidative status are unknown. Objective: Ascorbic acid administration will increase plasma AA concentrations and decrease determinants of reactive oxygen metabolites (dROM), basal and stimulant-induced intraerythrocytic reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentrations, and stimulant-induced neutrophil ROS production, and increase plasma antioxidant capacity (PAC) in a dose-dependent manner. Methods: Eight healthy horses. Methods: Randomized placebo-controlled ...
Changes in the nutrient profile and the load of mycotoxins, phytoestrogens, and pesticides in horse pastures during spring and summer in Austria.
Journal of equine veterinary science    November 3, 2023   Volume 131 104958 doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104958
Son V, Penagos-Tabares F, Hollmann M, Khiaosa-Ard R, Sulyok M, Krska R, Zebeli Q.Pastures are used for grazing and the production of conserved roughage in horses. Yet, the nutritional profile of the forage varies from spring to late summer, affecting equine nutrient supply and health. In addition, environmental factors may also favor plant contaminants such as mycotoxins. This study aimed to determine the nutritional profile and contaminant load of selected horse pastures from early spring till late summer. The nutrient composition (main macronutrients, macro elements and trace elements), as well as mycotoxins, metabolites, pesticides, and plant-derived compounds of seven ...
Pharmacokinetics and metabolism of lidocaine HCl 2% with epinephrine in horses following a palmar digital nerve block.
BMC veterinary research    October 30, 2023   Volume 19, Issue 1 225 doi: 10.1186/s12917-023-03787-x
Knych HK, Katzman S, McKemie DS, Arthur RM, Blea J.Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that is sometimes administered in combination with epinephrine. The addition of epinephrine increases the time lidocaine remains at the site of administration, thus prolonging the duration of effect. Due to their potential to prevent the visual detection of lameness, the administration of local anesthetics is strictly regulated in performance and racehorses. Recent reports of positive regulatory findings for lidocaine in racehorses suggests a better understanding of the behavior of this drug is warranted. The objective of the current study was to describe serum ...
Validation of a commercially available photometric analytical system for assessment of plasma oxidative status in healthy horses.
Veterinary immunology and immunopathology    October 30, 2023   Volume 265 110665 doi: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2023.110665
Vaughn SA, Norton NA, Hurley DJ, Hart KA.Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are the end-products of physiologic functions in health. Oxidative stress occurs when endogenous antioxidants are insufficient to neutralize ROS in the system. As a result, ROS can damage DNA, RNA, proteins, lipids, and cell organelles. To obtain accurate measurements of plasma oxidative stress, levels of both oxidants and antioxidants must be measured. This study validates a commercially available, semi-quantitative, photometric analytical system that measures systemic determinants of reactive oxygen metabolites (dROM) and plasma antioxidant capacity (PAC) in sto...
Characterization of the horse chestnut genome reveals the evolution of aescin and aesculin biosynthesis.
Nature communications    October 13, 2023   Volume 14, Issue 1 6470 doi: 10.1038/s41467-023-42253-y
Sun W, Yin Q, Wan H, Gao R, Xiong C, Xie C, Meng X, Mi Y, Wang X, Wang C, Chen W, Xie Z, Xue Z, Yao H, Sun P, Xie X, Hu Z, Nelson DR, Xu Z, Sun X....Horse chestnut (Aesculus chinensis) is an important medicinal tree that contains various bioactive compounds, such as aescin, barrigenol-type triterpenoid saponins (BAT), and aesculin, a glycosylated coumarin. Herein, we report a 470.02 Mb genome assembly and characterize an Aesculus-specific whole-genome duplication event, which leads to the formation and duplication of two triterpenoid biosynthesis-related gene clusters (BGCs). We also show that AcOCS6, AcCYP716A278, AcCYP716A275, and AcCSL1 genes within these two BGCs along with a seed-specific expressed AcBAHD6 are responsible for the fo...